ESCAPE
O
n the bubble trail in Champagne, in north-
eastern France, we’re looking for effervescence
and a balance of richness, elegance and crisp-
ness – all qualities the region has in spades.
The birthplace of good fizz is a natural beauty
with and without the wine goggles worn so elegantly in these
parts. Misty, vine-lined hills offset historic manors, rustic
cottages and a quality of fresh air that goes straight to the head.
The local climate is chilled and often drizzly – all the better for
grape production and huddling around fires. “In Champagne,
the sunshine is in the bottle,” says Moët & Chandon chef de
cave – or head winemaker – Benoît Gouez (also our driver, the
pharmacist and hotel receptionist). But when the sun breaks
through, Champagne sparkles.
Meanwhile, as corks pop and golden liquid cascades into
Riedel crystal, the tastings begin. It’s Moët Impérial’s 150th
anniversary this year, so the pouring starts with this good-
time drop. “You’ll experience bright fruitiness, a seductive
palate and elegant maturity,” says Gouez as he swirls, sniffs,
sips and spits. At Moët, he says, the challenge is consistently
hitting that mark year after year despite the ever-changingCLOCKWISE
TOP LEFT
Actress Dany
Robin at Moët &
Chandon in 1955;
the rooms at Royal
Champagne Hotel
& Spa; cast-iron
statues in Town
Hall Garden,
Épernay; the
historic Moët &
Chandon House;
and underground
in the Moët
champagne cellars.
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